Who said that heavy metal was incompatible with Fine Arts? Certainly not John Dyer Baizley. The American artist, based in Savannah, Georgia is indeed both a trained painter, Illustrator and heavy metal musician whom is currently playing with the band Baroness.
John had parents who encouraged his creativity with all the tools possible, including a guitar. He took art classes, studying the techniques of his masters, from Caravaggio, DaVinci, Bruegel and Alfons Mucha to disc cover artists. He then attended the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design for three years, before realizing that making art for money and customers wasn’t his dream. Becoming a musician allowed him more freedom, but money soon ironically became a motivator for a new start as an artist. He produced covers for the band’s discs and merchandising, attracting the admiration of other bands while on tour. John was then living a double life: guitarist and singer, but also cover art and apparel designer for the heavy metal scene. Luckily, he realised that he shouldn’t have to choose between the two…
There are no gothic clichés in John’s work, tending more toward classicism and romanticism than expected. The subjects often alluding to mythology and esotericism, blending many references to create original scenes. Extremely intricate, his designs remind us of engraving art and the Art Nouveau movement, with their bold lines, expressive characters and surprising colour choices. The female form is especially glorified in John’s work with a graphic and almost spiritiual beauty creating a perfect mix of modernity and nostalgia.
